FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6-15-2017
Contact: Katie Reasner
Phone: 319-892-6074
Email: [email protected]
The Sexual Health Alliance of Linn and Johnson County Coalition, in partnership with Linn County Public Health, Linn County Immunization Coalition, Johnson County Public Health, and Planned Parenthood of the Heartland invite community members to a free screening of the film, Someone You Love, at the Cedar Rapids Public Library on July 11th at 5:30pm in the Beems Auditorium.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) may be the most widespread, misunderstood and potentially dangerous epidemic that most people hardly know anything about. Someone You Love reveals just how dangerous this virus can be, causing six different types of cancers in both men and women. Following five brave women’s stories who are afflicted by HPV and cervical cancer, the 80-minute film also interviews some of the world’s top experts on the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is so common in fact, that nearly all sexually active people will acquire it at some point in their lives. HPV is spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus and can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.
“There is a HPV vaccine to help protect against strains of the virus that are most likely to cause cancer and virtually all cases of strains that cause genital warts” said Linn County Public Health Director Pramod Dwivedi. “The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for 11 and 12 year olds, and is most effective if given before an individual has their first sexual encounter.” The HPV vaccine can be administered to individuals starting at the age of nine and up to the age of 26.
For more information on HPV, visit https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm. To schedule an appointment for the HPV vaccination, call your health care provider or Linn County Public Health at 319-892-6093.
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ABOUT LINN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH:
Linn County Public Health serves nearly 220,000 residents of Linn County to prevent disease and injury, promote healthy living, protect the environment, and ensure public health preparedness. More information about Linn County Public Health is available online at http://www.linncounty.org/health or by calling 319-892-6000. Follow Linn County Public Health on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LCPublicHealth and on Twitter @LCPublicHealth.